If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.
Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish, too much handling will spoil it.
For one gains by losing And loses by gaining.
Meet the difficult while it is easy.
Trustable words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not trustable.
Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results.